When life gives you chicken, make nuggets—crispy, golden nuggets that dance in your mouth like a summer parade. Inspired by the crispy crunch of childhood dreams and modern air fryer magic, these nuggets are a nostalgic nod to simpler times, yet they whisper of today’s culinary innovation. Imagine the crispiness of a fall leaf underfoot, combined with the tender juiciness of a perfectly cooked bite—these are nuggets you’ll fall in love with, over and over.
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). In a large bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and a small amount of oil, mixing well to create the coating.
- Set up a dredging station with three separate bowls: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third with the panko mixture.
- Coat the chicken pieces by first dipping them in flour, shaking off the excess, then dipping them into the egg, and finally pressing them into the panko mix to ensure it adheres.
- Arrange the breaded chicken nuggets in a greased air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. Lightly spray the tops with oil, then air fry them for 12-15 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into nugget-sized pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
FAQ
- Do I need to flip the chicken nuggets while air frying?
- If the nuggets are arranged in a single layer without overlapping, flipping is not necessary. However, if they overlap, flipping them halfway through the cooking time can help ensure even crispiness.
- Are these chicken nuggets gluten-free?
- These nuggets can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, making them suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
- Can I use pre-packaged frozen chicken nuggets?
- Yes, you can air fry frozen packaged chicken nuggets. Simply place them in the preheated air fryer at 200°C/400°F for about 8 minutes, shaking the basket once halfway through.
- Is it possible to bake these chicken nuggets instead of air frying?
- Absolutely! To bake them, prepare the nuggets as directed, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C/400°F for 12-15 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure they are cooked through.
- How should I store and reheat leftover chicken nuggets?
- Store any leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 180°C/350°F for 2-3 minutes or warm them in a preheated oven. Avoid using the microwave as it can make them lose their crispiness.
Tips
- Ensure the chicken nuggets are uniform in size to promote even cooking throughout all the pieces.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.
- For added flavor, experiment with different spices in the breading mix, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder.
- If preparing a large batch, consider freezing breaded but uncooked nuggets for future meals; simply extend the air frying time by a few minutes when cooking from frozen.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – Essential for cooking the chicken nuggets to achieve the crispy texture.
- Meat Thermometer – Useful for ensuring the chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature.
- Spray Oil Bottle – Handy for evenly spraying oil over the chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket.
